Must have features
#1
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Must have features
I’m looking at upgrading and making a list of the features I want. This is the list so far:
thru axles
tubeless ready
27.5” tires (I’m shorter)
1x drivetrain
disc brakes
I have a 2010 Raleigh talus 3.0. So all that would be new to me. On the fence for full suspension. Also interested is the best budget options with all the above. Did I miss anything good? Any of the above you wouldn’t recommend?
thru axles
tubeless ready
27.5” tires (I’m shorter)
1x drivetrain
disc brakes
I have a 2010 Raleigh talus 3.0. So all that would be new to me. On the fence for full suspension. Also interested is the best budget options with all the above. Did I miss anything good? Any of the above you wouldn’t recommend?
Last edited by BikingViking793; 07-20-21 at 08:33 AM.
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Dropper post.
Of course, it would help if you said what kind of conditions 6ou plan to ride in. There is a world of difference between a basic trail bike and a full on technical downhill bike. Both are mountain bikes.
Of course, it would help if you said what kind of conditions 6ou plan to ride in. There is a world of difference between a basic trail bike and a full on technical downhill bike. Both are mountain bikes.
Likes For Happy Feet:
#3
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just a modern trail bike.
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#4
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Clutch rear derailleur
Slacker headtube - depending on what you ride
Airspring Fork
More than 2 bottle cage mount bolts (if you don't plan on carrying additional water on you)
Threaded BB if you're not a fan of banging on your frame for maintenance
Slacker headtube - depending on what you ride
Airspring Fork
More than 2 bottle cage mount bolts (if you don't plan on carrying additional water on you)
Threaded BB if you're not a fan of banging on your frame for maintenance
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You never stated what your budget is. Most modern bikes from the reputable manufacturers will have what is in your wish list.
However 27.5 tire size is starting to die off. Little by little the bike manufacturers have been eliminating the 27.5 tire size from their offerings. And your height is not related to which wheel size you should choose. Wheel size is based riding style more than anything else.
For instance...This is a section of my local trail. 29" tires do way better riding over this feature vs. 27.5" tires.
However 27.5 tire size is starting to die off. Little by little the bike manufacturers have been eliminating the 27.5 tire size from their offerings. And your height is not related to which wheel size you should choose. Wheel size is based riding style more than anything else.
For instance...This is a section of my local trail. 29" tires do way better riding over this feature vs. 27.5" tires.
Last edited by prj71; 07-20-21 at 03:25 PM.
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Without picking on any model in particular, I think that the hard tails in the $1500 range and full sus in the $2400 range are fully functional. A lot of the things I'd like to improve about them are piecemeal, taking every component three steps higher for double the price does not seem like a good deal.
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#7
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You never stated what your budget is. Most modern bikes from the reputable manufacturers will have what is in your wish list.
However 27.5 tire size is starting to die off. Little by little the bike manufacturers have been eliminating the 27.5 tire size from their offerings. And your height is not related to which wheel size you should choose. Wheel size is based riding style more than anything else.
For instance...This is a section of my local trail. 29" tires do way better riding over this feature vs. 27.5" tires.
However 27.5 tire size is starting to die off. Little by little the bike manufacturers have been eliminating the 27.5 tire size from their offerings. And your height is not related to which wheel size you should choose. Wheel size is based riding style more than anything else.
For instance...This is a section of my local trail. 29" tires do way better riding over this feature vs. 27.5" tires.
budget is as little as I can pay and still get all the things I want.
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What's the top dollar in your budget? It helps to know that so you can be pointed in the right direction. Current bike shortage may limit your choices if you are planning to buy something soon.
Last edited by prj71; 07-20-21 at 03:52 PM.
#9
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#10
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I'm hoping to not buy a bike I feel I need to upgrade right away. All the things I listed seem like good options, but I could be talked into more or less. I'm deep in my 40s so I am gonna try to avoid doing anything too crazy, but I enjoy riding the trails. So I'd like a more capable ride that might help me out if I do get stupid.
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I wanted to try a Roscoe but none were available in 2018 when I was shopping. The shop had an X-Caliber but it felt old fashioned that year, still having a narrower bar with no rise, longer stem, and 2x transmission. I got a Salsa Timberjack which in 2018 had a cheaper build much like this or the current Salsa Rangefinder. And I've been pretty happy with it since, upgrading the fork, adding a dropper, and much nicer tires when they were worn out.
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Last edited by Darth Lefty; 07-20-21 at 05:00 PM.
#12
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It needs a dropper, which you can get for a hundred bucks. The Roscoe is the same frame with a slightly more shaggy build. These two bikes have quick release rear wheels which are not as sturdy as thru axles, but the frames can mount things like standard racks, trailer hitches, and kid seats without modification if that's important to you, and besides that they are otherwise mostly compatible with any upgrades you'd like to do in the future. The fork is adequate. The tires aren't tubeless, technically, but will probably seat up with Orange Seal, and in a thousand miles you can get something better.
I wanted to try a Roscoe but none were available in 2018 when I was shopping. The shop had an X-Caliber but it felt old fashioned that year, still having a narrower bar with no rise, longer stem, and 2x transmission. I got a Salsa Timberjack which in 2018 had a cheaper build much like this or the current Salsa Rangefinder. And I've been pretty happy with it since, upgrading the fork, adding a dropper, and much nicer tires when they were worn out.
I wanted to try a Roscoe but none were available in 2018 when I was shopping. The shop had an X-Caliber but it felt old fashioned that year, still having a narrower bar with no rise, longer stem, and 2x transmission. I got a Salsa Timberjack which in 2018 had a cheaper build much like this or the current Salsa Rangefinder. And I've been pretty happy with it since, upgrading the fork, adding a dropper, and much nicer tires when they were worn out.
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Last edited by BikingViking793; 07-20-21 at 05:23 PM.
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This has thru axle both front and rear if a hard tail is what you are looking for and ~$1500 is your budget
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/xtc-slr-29-2-2021
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Photos: my TJ, with trailer hitch. This version is convertible to thru axle with different Alternator but hasn’t been, yet, maybe someday… and, wife's hybrid
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 07-21-21 at 08:41 AM.